crank shaft half-moon key

[Hop]

Should the half-moon key for the crank shaft be a tight fit? I had a tough time getting it out when I replaced the crank seal and was wondering if I should sand it down a little before putting it back in. Even without the t-belt crank pulley on, I'd have to tap the key in w/hammer to get it to seat.

[huck369]

That's normal....
Helps keep it from falling out when you do timing belts....

[Hop]

Thanks Huck.

Is there an easy way to get the key out? I used vise grip pliers and wedged a screwdrover behind the head. It took me about 45 minutes of prying. And, the key was a little banged up when I was through.

[huck369]

A very small chisel, or flat screwdriver will drive down under it along the curved edge(like from front to back of engine)....They can be really tight, but will come out.
Gripping it with visegrips can deform the top edge, making it hard to slide the pulleys back on during re-assembly.